Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has faced criticism for allegedly using Girl Math to rationalize the increased expense of Australian passports. This is completely unacceptable, and we refuse to accept it.

As disclosed on Thursday, the cost of renewing your Australian passport will rise due to indexation (a price adjustment in line with inflation) starting January 1, 2024.

Then, on July 1, an additional $50 will be tacked on, bringing the total cost to about $400.

In contrast, New Zealanders pay $192, and Canadians $179 for a passport with the same validity, according to SBS.

A newly renewed passport is valid for 10 years.

Previously, acquiring a new one would have cost only $325, which seems almost economical compared to the new price.

As expected, Australia’s financial overseer Jim Chalmers took the opportunity to explain the situation.

“The new cost of an ordinary Australian adult passport is still under $40 annually over that 10-year span,” stated the Queensland MP.

Interestingly, a leading comment on The Age’s TikTok during the press conference queried, “Did he just girl math passport cost?”.

Indeed, he did.

For background, Girl Math is a concept that gained viral popularity globally this year but was originally created by New Zealand comedian Hayley Sproull on her radio program.

It’s basically a humorous way to rationalize any purchase by using exaggerated and often amusing logic.

It’s all in good fun and promotes the idea of indulging yourself, even if the desired item is somewhat costly.

However, here's where it gets intriguing.

Many segments would have Sproull applying “cost per wear” rather than “upfront cost” reasoning.

For instance, if you wear a nice jacket 100 times, instead of $500, it’s just $5 per wear.

The problem with Jim Chalmers using a similar logic is that he approaches it from a vastly different financial standpoint—that of the affluent ruling class.

It’s akin to your boss using Girl Math to justify reducing your work hours.

The July 1 passport price increase (distinct from the indexation) is projected to generate approximately $349 million for the government over three years.

That’s $349 million amidst one of the most severe cost-of-living crises in recent memory.

This sentiment was aptly captured by another top comment on the original video, “can I get a relatively modest pay rise then?”.

Indeed.

Girl Math is not intended for the affluent elites. It's meant for those who seldom indulge in extravagance!

Leave Girl Math alone, Mr. Chalmers.